Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Capture First USL Championship Title in Shootout Win Over FC Tulsa

Jonathan Turner
12 hours ago
3 min read

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TULSA, Okla. — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC secured their first-ever USL Championship title on Saturday afternoon, defeating FC Tulsa 5–3 in a penalty shootout at ONEOK Field after the teams battled to a scoreless draw through 120 minutes in front of a record crowd of 9,507.

Eric Dick delivered the defining moment of the match, making a crucial save in the second round of penalties before Beto Ydrach buried the fifth-round winner to seal Pittsburgh’s historic victory. The Hounds, who had already advanced twice via shootout earlier in the postseason, remained perfect from the spot with conversions from Bertin Jacquesson, Robbie Mertz, Chase Boone, Sean Suber, and Ydrach.

Match Summary

Despite the scoreless result in regulation, FC Tulsa steadily grew into the match and created the better chances throughout. Pittsburgh nearly stole an early lead in the 13th minute when Luke Biasi’s looping ball from the left drifted over the crowd in the box and struck the top of the right post.

Tulsa responded quickly as Jamie Webber sliced through defenders to tee up Alex Dalou, who fired just over the bar. Pittsburgh’s Augustine Williams forced the first save of the afternoon, racing in behind the Tulsa back line on a ball over the top before Tyler Deric pushed the attempt away with a strong one-handed stop.

Both teams nearly broke through late in the first half. Tulsa’s Kalil ElMedkhar was denied at point-blank range by Dick following a flick-on from a long throw, while Williams volleyed inches wide minutes later after Danny Griffin created space with an inventive overhead touch.

The second half produced fewer clear looks, though Tulsa nearly found the winner with 13 minutes remaining when Ian flicked a loose ball just over the bar from close range. The hosts carried their momentum into extra time, where Dick again stood tall, smothering a close-range effort from Stefan Lukić after Harvey St. Clair’s service set up the chance.

Dick finished the match with five saves and eight high claims, anchoring a Pittsburgh defense that refused to break despite Tulsa’s late pressure.

Takeaways

FC TulsaTulsa controlled large stretches of the match, finishing with a 17–6 shot advantage and a 4–0 edge in big chances. However, they were unable to convert in front of their largest home crowd, with Dick’s performance and the saved penalty from Lukić proving decisive in the final result.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SCPittsburgh weathered long spells of defending after missing early opportunities, but Dick's standout performance—highlighted by two point-blank stops—kept the match level. The Hounds became the first team in USL Championship history to win the title without conceding a goal throughout the postseason.

Key Moment

Dick’s extra-time save on Lukić’s close-range attempt preserved the clean sheet and set the tone for his pivotal stop in the shootout, ultimately paving the way for Pittsburgh to lift the trophy.

Key Stat

Pittsburgh’s work rate in midfield proved crucial. The Hounds won 53.8% of total duels and 59.3% of aerial duels, with Ydrach recording 13 recoveries and Perrin Barnes winning five of six tackles.

Prinx USL Championship Final MVP

Eric Dick, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SCThe veteran goalkeeper delivered an exceptional performance, posting a five-save shutout and commanding the penalty area with eight high claims.

Scoring Summary

No Scoring

Penalty Shootout

FC Tulsa: Calheira (scored), Lukić (saved), Colli (scored), Batista (scored)Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Jacquesson (scored), Mertz (scored), Boone (scored), Suber (scored), Ydrach (scored)